MPG from a Ninja 250

[vladmech]

Hey just wanted to get a quick idea of your average from anyone who rides one of these. They're normally show in the 60-75 MPG range, but I've only averaged about 54 over my last 5 fillups. I do probably 60/40 freeway/city, and tend to zip along at about 80 on the freeway.

Am I getting boned because of the speed, or does this seem like way below average MPG I should be getting?

[Veda]

I only get about 55 mpg on my ex250, but 90% of my riding is in the city with stop and go traffic.

What is your idle at? Mine came from the factory idling around 3k rpms, when I turned it down to the recommended 1300 rpm I started averaging about 5mpg better.

[vladmech]

I idle at about 2k when I have the choke going in the morning, otherwise only about 1500.

[Duffy]

During the week I ride into work going an average of 80-90mph (1/2 hour each way) and about 3x a week I take scenic rides around backroads for about 4-5 hours (average speed 45mph) I usually fill up when the trip meter closes in at 280 (I haven't had to switch to the reserve yet) and I am able to squeeze in usually about 4.2 gallons in (tank holds 4. So, it looks like I am getting pretty decent gas miliage. I'm thinking I could have probably could have gone 300 miles before switching over to the reserve but why chance running out while looking for a gas station. Only stop and go I do though is if I happen to run into rush hour traffic and that barely happens and I hate driving in the city with all the traffic lights. So maybe that's where the guzzling is happening. I also turned down my idle and its at the recommended 1300 and I only keep my choke on (3000) for as long as it takes for the bike not to stall when I turn choke off so for about a minute or two.

[itjstagame]

I see this question asked a lot on other forums too, I think that Kawi must be falsely posting 70MPG, I haven't even seen people get that even at 55MPH.

Idle is a good idea but that probably only affected you by 5MPG because of your city driving, at speed it should be less of an issue.

I would say make sure your tires are properly inflated and if you want try tucking in when at 80MPH. That should help your rolling resistance and aerodynamics. Other than that, going slower will obviously help as will accelerating more sedately.

I'd say based on how you're driving that 55 is good, though maybe I'd expect more like 60 because I have friends with EX500s that get 50-55MPG driving the way you say. My 600 got 45MPG.

[storysunfolding]

I've seen 65 mpg on my ninja 250. I guess it just depends how you're driving but that included beltway travel so I'm not sure what to tell you.

Of course I've never gotten lower than 57 mpg on my vStrom

[slacker1]

I get anywhere from 68 to 74 mpg. The last fill up got me 74, this may be due to my new rear tire. I put a Metzler me880 touring tire on and it is taller. I noticed it had raised my gearing. I was considering the front sprocket mod to get better highway gearing but with the new tire don't need it. I purchased this bike for what it is....a fuel efficient mode of transportation therefor I drive it to that respect it may see redline once a week or less. I do let it warm up in the mornings. My idle is set at 1100. I weigh 215lbs without gear. I am thinking that if you are not seeing at least 65 mpg then there is something wrong. I would check my tire air pressure, air filter, new NGK plugs, see if a previous owner changed the gearing, valve adjustment, too thick engine oil. On the oil I use Shell Rotella synthetic. If you do nothing else switch over to this oil. Its available at WalMart for under $20. It made a very noticeable difference in my bike!!!